Mon Sep 23 11:11:01 UTC 2024: ## “Laapataa Ladies” Chosen as India’s Oscar Entry for 2025

**MUMBAI -** Kiran Rao’s directorial debut, “Laapataa Ladies,” has been selected as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Academy Awards. The film emerged as the winner from a list of 29 contenders, including high-profile releases like “Kalki 2898 AD” and “Animal.”

The decision was made unanimously by a 13-member selection committee headed by renowned Assamese filmmaker Jahnu Barua. “Laapataa Ladies,” a light-hearted satire on patriarchy, follows the journey of two newlywed brides who are inadvertently exchanged due to a bizarre turn of events. The film, co-produced by Aamir Khan, received positive reviews for its unique story and strong performances.

This marks Rao’s second directorial venture after the 2010 film “Dhobi Ghat.” “Laapataa Ladies” stars Pratibha Ranta, Nitanshi Goel, Sparsh Shrivastav, Chhaya Kadam and Ravi Kishan. It premiered at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and was released theatrically on March 1, 2024.

India has a long history of sending films to the Oscars, with “Lagaan” being the most recent Indian film to be nominated for the Best International Feature Film category in 2002. The other two Indian films to make it to the final five were “Mother India” and “Salaam Bombay.”

Despite the country’s rich cinematic heritage, no Indian film has been nominated for the award since “Lagaan.” “Laapataa Ladies” will now compete with other international films for a coveted Oscar nomination.

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